Patient Reviews
About Patient Reviews
We value all of our patients and their individual needs. At Bay Area Cosmetic Dermatology, we want you to make the most informed decision to achieve your cosmetic goals. Choosing the best procedure and physician for you is an extremely important decision, and we invite you to read about previous patients’ experiences and better understand the quality treatment you will receive from our board-certified dermatologists. Each of our medical professionals value your journey and want to ensure you feel as comfortable and confident about your decision as possible.
Reviews for San Francisco, CA Dermatologist Dr. Kathleen Welsh Clear + Brilliant Procedures
"Dr. Welsh is the consummate skin care professional. She is thorough and inquisitive, extremely knowledgeable and informative. Her genuine concern for her patients is clear; and it is the hallmark of her practice. She is as lovely as she is brilliant. BACD treatment rooms share the widest possible variety of equipment designed to treat skin ailments. This investment by Dr. Welsh ensures that each patient will receive the specific and individual care best for the problem that brought them to her. If I could think of how to recommend her more highly, I would. I am grateful for the time Dr. welsh has accorded my family and me."
"Dr. Welsh is the consummate skin care professional. She is thorough and inquisitive, extremely knowledgeable and informative. Her genuine concern for her patients is clear; and it is the hallmark of her practice. She is as lovely as she is brilliant. BACD treatment rooms share the widest possible variety of equipment designed to treat skin ailments. This investment by Dr. Welsh ensures that each patient will receive the specific and individual care best for the problem that brought them to her. If I could think of how to recommend her more highly, I would. I am grateful for the time Dr. welsh has accorded my family and me. My February visit with Dr. Welsh was as successful and all other appointments with her have been. She treated each issue thoroughly and with great care; and she found other places on my skin needing correction. This is perhaps the most important and valuable reason to see Dr. Welsh. Nothing escapes her finely trained eye, and her office is equipped with all current devices to provide state-of-the-art skin care. No other Cosmetic Dermatologist will do ! Thanks from the heart."
"Dr. Welsh is the consummate skin care professional. She is thorough and inquisitive, extremely knowledgeable and informative. Her genuine concern for her patients is clear; and it is the hallmark of her practice. She is as lovely as she is brilliant.BACD treatment rooms share the widest possible variety of equipment designed to treat skin ailments. This investment by Dr. Welsh ensures that each patient will receive the specific and individual care best for the problem that brought them to her. If I could think of how to recommend her more highly, I would.I am grateful for the time Dr. welsh has accorded my family and me.My February visit with Dr. Welsh was as successful and all other appointments with her have been. She treated each issue thoroughly and with great care; and she found other places on my skin needing correction. This is perhaps the most important and valuable reason to see Dr. Welsh. Nothing escapes her finely trained eye, and her office is equipped with all current devices to provide state-of-the-art skin care. No other Cosmetic Dermatologist will do ! Thanks from the heart."
"Been a client of Dr. Welsh's for years. She is an expert bar none and also an excellent human. Her staff is also top-notch from the front desk to my med asst. Jo. All very competent and happy which makes for an excellent experience. I love seeing how Dr. Welsh and her team support their staff's education and advancement. You can feel that the staff feels lucky to work with Dr. Welsh and her team. That kind of stuff makes it a better experience as a patient. They also have every type of laser and type of skin care product. She's always up on the latest and safety/results."
"Been a client of Dr. Welsh's for years. She is an expert bar none and also an excellent human. Her staff is also top-notch from the front desk to my med asst. Jo. All very competent and happy which makes for an excellent experience. I love seeing how Dr. Welsh and her team support their staff's education and advancement. You can feel that the staff feels lucky to work with Dr. Welsh and her team. That kind of stuff makes it a better experience as a patient. They also have every type of laser and type of skin care product. She's always up on the latest and safety/results."
"First class cosmetic dermatology. A place that is pleasant to go to and makes the world a more attractive place. Dr. Welsh is always fun to be around and knows what she is doing. Rare in the world of skin care!"
"First class cosmetic dermatology. A place that is pleasant to go to and makes the world a more attractive place. Dr. Welsh is always fun to be around and knows what she is doing. Rare in the world of skin care!"
"The staff and Dr. Welsh are amazing. They care about the outcome, healthy preventative skin care routines and are the best in the business."
"Dr. Welsh has really gone above and beyond to address the previous issues and I am completely satisfied with the improved strategies that she and her team had implemented. They were professional and kind in their interactions and the therapies that were recommended truly embodied good patient care that I had come to know from her practice for more than 20 years. Thank you Dr. Welsh. Kudos!! ------------------------------------------ Of my 20+ years with Dr. Welsh and her team, I felt this visit was the least satisfactory. The front desk receptionist seemed reluctant to answer any more than 2 questions. From the getgo, the MA focused on pushing skin care products the whole time rather than assess my visit intent. Subsequently, when Dr. Welsh came in, she really did not spend much time asking which areas I intended to plan on having improved upon. Maybe she thought the MA already elicited the data? Given the above, the 2 usual trouble areas that usually gets the procedure got left out. Then one of the newer procedure went awry and I was supposed to follow the area carefully so it won't form a blister, otherwise I will have to return to get it fixed. I had to ask for new ice bags for the pain as no refills were offered. Finally, the billing needed to be adjusted several times as a few major miscalculations happened, luckily spotted by the MA (I don't really know who is counting / tallying what/how much products were used during the procedure). They were cleaning the room before I was ready to go. Sadly, the visit felt rushed, less friendly and there was notably less attention to details from staff and clinician compared to my previous visits."
"Dr. Welsh has really gone above and beyond to address the previous issues and I am completely satisfied with the improved strategies that she and her team had implemented. They were professional and kind in their interactions and the therapies that were recommended truly embodied good patient care that I had come to know from her practice for more than 20 years. Thank you Dr. Welsh. Kudos!!------------------------------------------Of my 20+ years with Dr. Welsh and her team, I felt this visit was the least satisfactory. The front desk receptionist seemed reluctant to answer any more than 2 questions. From the getgo, the MA focused on pushing skin care products the whole time rather than assess my visit intent. Subsequently, when Dr. Welsh came in, she really did not spend much time asking which areas I intended to plan on having improved upon. Maybe she thought the MA already elicited the data? Given the above, the 2 usual trouble areas that usually gets the procedure got left out. Then one of the newer procedure went awry and I was supposed to follow the area carefully so it won't form a blister, otherwise I will have to return to get it fixed. I had to ask for new ice bags for the pain as no refills were offered. Finally, the billing needed to be adjusted several times as a few major miscalculations happened, luckily spotted by the MA (I don't really know who is counting / tallying what/how much products were used during the procedure). They were cleaning the room before I was ready to go. Sadly, the visit felt rushed, less friendly and there was notably less attention to details from staff and clinician compared to my previous visits."
"The team at Bay Area Cosmetic Dermatology is incredible. If you’re a celebrity or an every day person looking to take excellent care of your skin, the staff at BACD will treat you the same either way. I have been to a diverse set of dermatologists over the past 15 years and BACD is definitely the absolute best. I am under the care of Dr. Welsh and Dr. Austin, who both stay on the forefront of technology and look out for you without plumping you beyond recognition or pushing services and products on you. They are the best of the best and you can count on personable, high end, quality attention and expertise. Thank you, Dr. Welsh and Dr. Austin, for supporting my commitment to my self and to my skin care!"
"I have been a patient of Kathleen Welsh for a few years now and I will continue to go back to her for years to come. Dr. Welsh helped me clear my severe hormonal acne through both topical medications and oral medications. I have also received laser treatments to clear the scarring and redness caused by my acne. Fr. Welsh is the most understanding, kind, and smart doctor I have seen and I highly recommend her to anyone in anyone in need of dermatology services."
"I’ve been a patient of Dr. Welsh for 20 years. I’m a man in my 70’s, and until age 50 had never given a thought to skin care beyond a moisturizer. I’ve a northern European complexion aging on the California coast. I was originally referred to her by my cosmetic surgeon for laser treatments to augment the healing of scars and hair removal. Dr. Welsh achieved quick results and offered sound advice on skin maintenance which has reversed a lifetime of neglect. I noticed the improvement immediately. Her care has been exacting, artful and extraordinary, and my skin - young for my years - attests to her skill. She has frequently advised against procedures I thought "maybe should try?" I have reaped benefits, mainly from fillers Dr. Welsh recommended, including lip enhancement. Most important: Nothing about my appearance has ever looked "altered." My most recent treatment - Hydrafacial - produced amazing immediate results.Her staff is professional and warmhearted. I’m a big fan!"
"I've been a patient of Dr. Welsh for 20 years. I'm a man in my 70's, and until age 50 had never given a thought to skin care beyond a moisturizer. I've a northern European complexion aging on the California coast. I was originally referred to her by my cosmetic surgeon for laser treatments to augment the healing of scars and hair removal. Dr. Welsh achieved quick results and offered sound advice on skin maintenance which has reversed a lifetime of neglect. I noticed the improvement immediately. Her care has been exacting, artful and extraordinary, and my skin - young for my years - attests to her skill. She has frequently advised against procedures I thought "maybe should try?" I have reaped benefits, mainly from fillers Dr. Welsh recommended, including lip enhancement. Most important: Nothing about my appearance has ever looked "altered." My most recent treatment - Hydrafacial - produced amazing immediate results. Her staff is professional and warmhearted. I'm a big fan!"
"I can’t say enough great things about Dr Welsh and Bay Area Cosmetics! Dr Welsh has helped me transform my skin with her treatments and skin care lines. Not to mention how many skin cancers she has saved me from! The best thing about her is she radiates really caring for her patients and that is hard to find. The super friendly staff is all about great customer service and everyone runs on time. Just a great experience every time I go!"
"I can’t believe it took me this long to write a review on Dr. Welsh and Bay Area Cosmetic Dermatology. I have been a patient of Dr. Welsh’s going on 10 years and I can’t imagine seeing anyone else. When I first started going, the office was a lot smaller, but all the expanding hasn’t changed the service I get there. Every time I see Dr. Welsh she is so kind and thoughtful, and she has really changed my life. I have had bad cystic acne since around 19, and she openly admitted I had one of the worst cases she had seen. It was painful and heartbreaking and I thought it was hopeless. In the many years I’ve been going to her, we have worked together until finally finding treatment that worked well, and I am so thankful. I go a few times a year for laser treatments and fillers for residual scarring (shout out to Nurse Mary who is probably the nicest person on the planet and an absolute wizard with lasers, and she genuinely cares about all of her clients). Dr. Welsh has always been considerate of my budget (I’m a nonprofit worker, while I know most of her clients are probably closer to the 1%) and has worked with me when my skin condition needed more for less. I am lucky to have found them so long ago and can’t recommend them higher!"
"I can't believe it took me this long to write a review on Dr. Welsh and Bay Area Cosmetic Dermatology. I have been a patient of Dr. Welsh's going on 10 years and I can't imagine seeing anyone else. When I first started going, the office was a lot smaller, but all the expanding hasn't changed the service I get there. Every time I see Dr. Welsh she is so kind and thoughtful, and she has really changed my life. I have had bad cystic acne since around 19, and she openly admitted I had one of the worst cases she had seen. It was painful and heartbreaking and I thought it was hopeless. In the many years I've been going to her, we have worked together until finally finding treatment that worked well, and I am so thankful. I go a few times a year for laser treatments and fillers for residual scarring (shout out to Nurse Mary who is probably the nicest person on the planet and an absolute wizard with lasers, and she genuinely cares about all of her clients). Dr. Welsh has always been considerate of my budget (I'm a nonprofit worker, while I know most of her clients are probably closer to the 1%) and has worked with me when my skin condition needed more for less. I am lucky to have found them so long ago and can't recommend them higher!"
"Dear Dr. Welsh -
Thank you so much for popping in to see me today. It is always so great to see you. You have such a positive energy! Also - you look really fantastic! You look radiant, beautiful and natural. And you are the best advertisement for your practice. I completely trust anything you advise for me. Thank you again!
Thank you again!
Fondly,
Anonymous"
"I have been seeing Dr. Welsh (who was initially recommended to me by my primary care physician) since 2007 for fillers, and more recently, Botox, between once and twice a year. Additionally, two years ago I had an intensive peel and spots on the backs of my hands treated, and last year, a light peel. Although it seems counter-intuitive, I am now paying less per visit than I did ten years ago; I don't need as much! I also am not trying to look decades younger, only slow the external manifestations of aging. This goal is exactly what Dr. Welsh continues to achieve. The work is subtle, yet I am always met with disbelief when I tell people I am fifty-eight. (I should add that I have been using Retin-A since I was thirty, and Dr. Welsh says this makes a huge difference.)Since Dr. Hui has come on board I have seen her once for fillers, with the same excellent results. I wanted to get another intensive peel this year, which Dr. Hui administered eight days ago. The product Dr. Hui currently uses has a much quicker turn-around than the previous two-week period. The treatment is, as Dr. Hui characterized it, "spicy." But the three chili peppers level lasts only for a minute, and my face felt completely normal an hour later. I've been slathering my face with Aquafor (and sunscreen when I am outside) and the peeling has ended. I was a bit concerned as my face peeled much more rapidly than with the previous treatment, but when I saw Dr. Hui for a check-in yesterday she reassured me that this was normal for the new product. I currently have patches of redness in varying size and shade over about a third of my face that will fade over the next three to four days. The skin is beautiful, and I won't feel the need to wear make-up. I am very pleased with the results--at a much lower cost than Fraxel laser treatments.Drs. Welsh and Hui have stellar educations and credentials, yet are down-to-earth. They love their work and it shows. Over ten years I have had only warm, professional interactions with staff, and never once felt pressure to buy products. I have watched my skin and appearance improve under Dr. Welsh's thoughtful care, and am happy that the equally attentive Dr. Hui has joined her. I am looking forward to the next ten years!"
"I have been seeing Dr. Welsh (who was initially recommended to me by my primary care physician) since 2007 for fillers, and more recently, Botox, between once and twice a year. Additionally, two years ago I had an intensive peel and spots on the backs of my hands treated, and last year, a light peel. Although it seems counter-intuitive, I am now paying less per visit than I did ten years ago; I don't need as much! I also am not trying to look decades younger, only slow the external manifestations of aging. This goal is exactly what Dr. Welsh continues to achieve. The work is subtle, yet I am always met with disbelief when I tell people I am fifty-eight. (I should add that I have been using Retin-A since I was thirty, and Dr. Welsh says this makes a huge difference.) Since Dr. Hui has come on board I have seen her once for fillers, with the same excellent results. I wanted to get another intensive peel this year, which Dr. Hui administered eight days ago. The product Dr. Hui currently uses has a much quicker turn-around than the previous two-week period. The treatment is, as Dr. Hui characterized it, "spicy." But the three chili peppers level lasts only for a minute, and my face felt completely normal an hour later. I've been slathering my face with Aquafor (and sunscreen when I am outside) and the peeling has ended. I was a bit concerned as my face peeled much more rapidly than with the previous treatment, but when I saw Dr. Hui for a check-in yesterday she reassured me that this was normal for the new product. I currently have patches of redness in varying size and shade over about a third of my face that will fade over the next three to four days. The skin is beautiful, and I won't feel the need to wear make-up. I am very pleased with the results--at a much lower cost than Fraxel laser treatments. Drs. Welsh and Hui have stellar educations and credentials, yet are down-to-earth. They love their work and it shows. Over ten years I have had only warm, professional interactions with staff, and never once felt pressure to buy products. I have watched my skin and appearance improve under Dr. Welsh's thoughtful care, and am happy that the equally attentive Dr. Hui has joined her. I am looking forward to the next ten years!"
"I have been seeing Dr. Welsh (who was initially recommended to me by my primary care physician) since 2007 for fillers, and more recently, Botox, between once and twice a year. Additionally, two years ago I had an intensive peel and spots on the backs of my hands treated, and last year, a light peel. Although it seems counter-intuitive, I am now paying less per visit than I did ten years ago; I don’t need as much! I also am not trying to look decades younger, only slow the external manifestations of aging. This goal is exactly what Dr. Welsh continues to achieve. The work is subtle, yet I am always met with disbelief when I tell people I am fifty-eight. (I should add that I have been using Retin-A since I was thirty, and Dr. Welsh says this makes a huge difference.)Since Dr. Hui has come on board I have seen her once for fillers, with the same excellent results. I wanted to get another intensive peel this year, which Dr. Hui administered eight days ago. The product Dr. Hui currently uses has a much quicker turn-around than the previous two-week period. The treatment is, as Dr. Hui characterized it, "spicy." But the three chili peppers level lasts only for a minute, and my face felt completely normal an hour later. I’ve been slathering my face with Aquafor (and sunscreen when I am outside) and the peeling has ended. I was a bit concerned as my face peeled much more rapidly than with the previous treatment, but when I saw Dr. Hui for a check-in yesterday she reassured me that this was normal for the new product. I currently have patches of redness in varying size and shade over about a third of my face that will fade over the next three to four days. The skin is beautiful, and I won’t feel the need to wear make-up. I am very pleased with the results--at a much lower cost than Fraxel laser treatments.Drs. Welsh and Hui have stellar educations and credentials, yet are down-to-earth. They love their work and it shows. Over ten years I have had only warm, professional interactions with staff, and never once felt pressure to buy products. I have watched my skin and appearance improve under Dr. Welsh’s thoughtful care, and am happy that the equally attentive Dr. Hui has joined her. I am looking forward to the next ten years!"
"I am the frequent customer of Bay Area Cosmetic dermatology clinic. I was seen by Dr. Welsh's new associate a year ago for Kybella for my puffy eye bags and Fraxel Repair for my face. Tell you all my Asian friends, my eye bags haven't come back and my face is still as smooth and as clear as baby cheeks. It seems it get smoother everyday. I used to hate to look at my reflection on the mirror, but now I really happy with the great result of Dr Andrea Hui's skillful and painless procedure on my face. It holds up for one a year now!!!!!!!!!! Another secret is I follow Dr Hui's skin care program to the last detail. No one can guess my age right!!!"
"At 38 I noticed I was getting dark circles under my eyes. After much research, I decided on Belotero, and the offices of Dr. Kathleen M. Welsh and and Dr. Andrea Hui at Bay Area Cosmetic Dermatology. My first appt with Dr. Hui was great. She listened to all my concerns. I told her I was on a budget, but still wanted to take care of my skin longterm and she said no problem, she already had a regimen in mind for me and my price range. And we discussed Belotero. Over the next two months I followed the skin care regimen. I love the products! I use a gentle cleanser and tretinoin gel from OBAGI. No side effects from the gel and it has lasted forever - just a pea! And I really love the Kathleen M. Welsh Restorative Bio-Therapy daily moisturizer and the Retinol Eye Repair. My complexion started looking better immediately. After 2 months, I got the Belotero done. I was a bit nervous but the staff at Bay Area Cosmetic Dermatology is amazing and totally made me comfortable. Dr. Hui was again lovely, so kind and very adept at what she does, I wasn't uncomfortable at all. The results were immediate and subtle. Aside from a couple small marks from the needle, which were gone in a day or two, I had no swelling or pain. It was still my face, my eye area, all my natural features - nothing changed, and yet that tired look was gone. The dark circle was gone. It was beyond subtle, it was natural. I've had it for over 3 months now and it looks better than ever. It seems like the product settles out over time. I love the results! I feel like I've made a great choice with this practice. Thank you Dr. Hui and Bay Area Cosmetic Dermatology!"
"After much deliberation, i underwent the Fraxel Repair CO2 with Dr Hui, the staff and the procedure were as good as it gets and the results amazing!Dr Welsh's office and facility are state of the art and Dr Welsh is bar none the best in the business."
"After much deliberation, i underwent the Fraxel Repair CO2 with Dr Hui, the staff and the procedure were as good as it gets and the results amazing! Dr Welsh's office and facility are state of the art and Dr Welsh is bar none the best in the business."
"I love what Dr. Welsh and Dr. Hui have done to my skin. They helped me find confidence and happiness again. I have been doing treatments for about two years including injections, ulthera, clear and brilliant and hydra facials. Never disappointed!!! I also see Mary - she is the best with treatments and helpful advice!! Strongly recommend."
"When I was refered to Dr. Welsh by another five star Doctor who excels in reconstructive surgery, I had no doubt Dr. Welsh would be the best. She practices with the utmost integrity, will refer if the patient wants more unnatural or unnecessary work done. Professionally, educated at the most prestigious University's, Dr. Welsh upholds her values. Dr. Welsh is excellent, very sensitive, and will spend as much time as you need to discuss any procedure, fears and your personal goals. I am very youthful, healthy, natural, happy. I am 60 yrs. old my kids tell me I am the prettiest Mom. Thank you Dr. Welsh, also Dr. Welsh has had the same trained staff since I have been going to see her 8 years ago. Dr. Welsh upholds the highest standard, I trust her and myself and my family will never go anywhere else for skin care, make-up, and new questions"
"I've been a patient of Dr. Welsh for about 10 years. I'm a man in my 60's, and until age 50 had never given a thought to skin care beyond a moisturizer. I've a northern European complexion, aging on the California coast. I was originally referred to her by my surgeon for laser treatments to augment the healing of scars. She achieved some quick results, and Dr. Welsh offered sound advice on skin maintenance which has helped reverse a lifetime of neglect. I noticed the improvement immediately. I see her about every six months, right on schedule with my dentist. Her care has been exacting and extraordinary, and my skin - young behind my years - attests to her skill. She has frequently advised against procedures I thought "maybe should try?" I have reaped benefits mainly from Sculptra and Fraxel, and nothing about my complexion looks "altered." Her staff is professional and warmhearted. I'm a big fan!"
"I went back for my touch up and she worked her magic again. My lips look amazing and I have no bruising. I let her decide where to touch them up and she was ultra gentle. One of the staff even came in and put makeup on me to hide the redness before I left AND she didnt charge me for the touch-up! I plan to go back in 4 months and do it again, and I plan to use Dr Welsh as my doctor for all my skin care needs. I would rather pay of out pocket for her then use a doctor covered by my insurance. She is that good."
"Compassionate, confident, competent skin care queen! - I see Dr. Welsh for IPL (FotoFacials) and it has really made a difference in my rosacea. My skin is more even with less redness and my brown freckly spots have faded. I have recommended her to a number of curious friends, male, female and trans, One gave up because the new patient waiting list was pretty long (but for good cause!), and if you find yourself in this position, please wait; it's so worth it! She could do her job blindfolded and sleep-deprived and not miss a beat. I love this woman! Competent beyond most, Dr. Welsh is also caring, funny and not just in it for the money. ""We Love Skin"" isn't just a slogan around this exceptional cosmetic dermatologist's office!"
"Dr. Welsh is a master! She's the only dr. I see on a super regular basis - and I look forward to my appointments. She has given me blemish free, freckle free, perfect skin. I've seen her for skin care, laser and mole removal - she has done a great job on all of it. She and her staff are super friendly. Dr. Welsh has treated 5 of my friends - they all are thrilled with their results. **Most cosmetic procedures are not covered by insurance. But for things like mole removal, they will bill your insurance...and you pay whatever insurance doesn't cover."